Lawn above septic field

Does the lawn above a septic field need any special treatment? More
lime? More or less feed? The grass above mine is a bit rough so I was
just wondering if I should treat it differently.
Thanks for any advice!
DeanB

Depends on the septic tank system.
My leach field is about 6 feet under the ground, there's no way its
impacting the grass at that level. I believe more modern ones are closer to
the surface, but local requirements may make that determination. You
definitely won't have to water as much.
I think you may see a bit more moss in the grass, I do, but I also live on
clayish glacial till.

When I saw your post, I was hoping for a knowledgeable response
because mine is like that too. An evaporation field is closer to the
surface and I would suspect that neutrients from the septic would make
the grass grow better and roots would not dry out. ( I do know that if
there are spots growing vigorously that septic is coming up.) Maybe
we are applying too much fertilizer. Also my backyard pH is low and
there is a lot of moss in spots which would indicate liming is
necessary which I did last month.
Frank

OK, here's some possibilities:
-Field is buried deep and surface is not getting enough water.
-Field was backfilled with hardpan soil instead of top soil.
-Chlorine(bleach) thru the system has changed the pH level of the
soil.
First thing I'd do is get a soil test done thru your county extension
service(agricultural agent). Locally they cost $8 and you get a
comprehensive evaluation report with instructions on how to correct
any problems found. If the report comes back ok, it's a matter of
reseeding & watering.
KC

Sand. Shallower septic systems are often not buried very deep,
and the contractors don't put enough of a topsoil layer on top.
Also, because of vegetation clearance requirements, many septic
beds have far more sunlight hitting them than surrounding areas.
Either or both conspire to make the ground a lot drier.

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